In April 2023, Indian doubles star Satwiksairaj Rankireddy produced a moment that stunned the badminton world — a smash clocked at 565 km/h. It wasn't during a match, but the sheer speed instantly made headlines across sports.
Record Holder
Rankireddy, already known for his explosive attacking style in doubles, broke a 10-year-old record previously held by Malaysia's Tan Boon Heong. His ability to generate power from compact movement makes him one of the most dangerous players on tour.
Historical Context
The previous record stood at 493 km/h since 2013. This jump to 565 km/h reflects how training, equipment, and physical conditioning have evolved in modern badminton.
Why It Matters
While recorded in a controlled environment, the record highlights the extreme pace of today's game. It reinforces badminton's reputation as the fastest racquet sport in the world.
At 565 km/h, this smash is faster than most Formula 1 top speeds — a reminder of how explosive badminton really is.
